The five dancers and one musician that form Les Slovaks are on stage as the audience settles, smiling out at us. They begin with a folk song, in perfect harmony. So far, so Slovakian. Then something happens. The dancers move upstage into a square of light, they huddle in the corner, and one by one break out into dance like sparks of electricity. It is blade-sharp and exhilaratingly modern.
Opening Night was the first piece this group of long-term friends made together, back in 2007. Their intention was to express their love of dancing and say something about their friendship. They do this through duets, solos and group dance that never over-eggs the metaphorical, avoids dance-drama and above all is fluid, inventive and engaging. All have an individual dance language, from Anton Lachky’s robotics and wild-eyed stare – he is the maverick of the group, to Peter Jasko’s controlled gymnastics – he is a master at getting up from the floor. Milan Herich is perhaps the most ‘contemporary’ in style, having danced with Ultima Vez and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Milan Tomasik (who looks like a dashing circus acrobat) and Martin Kilvady (super tall, super thin, a bit cheeky) complete the ensemble. The on-stage violinist, Simon Thierrée, has composed a perfect accompanying soundtrack, mixing and over-dubbing as he plays. There is a violin interlude which gives the dancers a rest and allows Thierrée to show his virtuosity.
Whilst the folk dance idiom is never far away, and evidenced in the rather bizarre and unbecoming costumes, it is not overplayed and all the choreography avoids clichés. There is one long solo, by Anton Lachky, to an upbeat Anglo/French pop song, but otherwise the piece is totally owned by the whole company. The movement around the space bears the influence of the dancers’ time with Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s academy.
The relationship between dancers and musician is playful and considerate. They make great use of their eyes and perform for us and with us. Lighting, designed by Hans Valcke and Joris de Bolle, is not over dramatic and serves the dancers well.
Opening Night was a joyous closing night for Brighton Festival, an evening of dance that made you want to move, made you smile and demonstrated the impact of creativity and friendship.